Sections of the report: introduction, body and conclusion.

INTRODUCTION
The introduction to a graph, table or chart should be one or two sentences. It needs to:

Include the important information found in the question and the graph
Be written in your own words.

Information to include in the introduction:

the topic of the graph (what)

the time span (when)
the place (where)
the unit of measurement.
Alternatives that can be used in any graph or table

The

This

graph
line graph
bar graph
diagram
chart

shows
illustrates
describes
indicates
represents

table

compares

Alternative ways of describing an object

Name
An [object name]

Type of object
is a machine

Function
to do this and that....
which is designed to do this and that....
that does this and that.....
designed for the purpose of doing this and that....

Alternative ways of introducing a sequence of events

Type of diagram

verb

The map ...

illustrates ...

The illustration

shows ...

topic

time period

between 1950 and

the [noun] of [noun] 1990.
from 1950 to 1990.

The picture ...

The diagram ...

indicates ...
over a period of 40
years from 1950.

The drawing ...

BODY
Line graphs: Think about these questions:
Does the graph show change over time?
How many different trends are there?
To describe a line graph we need to present the identified trends:

in the order of the time in which they occurred

using time markers to introduce each trend [at the beginning of the, by the end of the, throughout the,
this was followed by, from ... onwards, by the time, in the next x years]
supporting each trend with data
linking similar or different trends with a signpost word
The information is organised in order of time
The overall trend is written at the end as a conclusion

Pie charts:

Describe the first chart by ordering the categories from the highest percentage to lowest.
Then describe the ones that have increased/decreased and provide the relative data.

Conclusion.

Tables:

Organize the information into areas that decreased and areas that increased.
Order these from the most significant to the least significant trend.

Put the overall comparison at the end.

Bar graphs:
A) If the purpose of the graph is to show different trends, you could order the information:

from the most significant to the least significant trend

in order of time
in the order it is presented in the graph or table

Organise the information:

From most significant trend to least significant.

Support each trend with data from the graph.
Group each element of the graph that shows an increase or a decrease or remains constant.
Link similar or different groups with a signpost word.

B) If the purpose of the graph is to compare and contrast, you could order the information:

from lowest to highest

from highest to lowest
in the order it is presented in the graph or table

Organise the information:

Group occupations with similar rates of absenteeism.

2

Describe groups in order from the lowest to the highest rate of absenteeism.
Support each group with data.
Link similar or different groups with a signpost word.

Processes:

use the present tense (simple or perfect), usually in the passive voice
use sequence markers (first, next, finally, after that)
link two or three steps (and, after, before)
add extra information (place, method, purpose)

Machine descriptions:
In your answer you should describe how the parts of the machine function together by:

Finding a logical first step to start your description.

Indicating the order of the steps you must follow to use a cassette player by using sequence markers.
Deciding which stages you can link together.
Showing how various parts work by linking their purpose with the method for using them.
In your answer you should use verbs to describe how to use something. In particular you should:
o use the imperative form of the verb (the infinitive without to) to give instructions (to describe
how to do something)
o use the passive form (made up of can + be + past participle)
o If you do need to talk about the person using the object or machine (an active participant) you
can use you.
Try to expand your description to make your answer more informative by:
o using your own knowledge and experience
o indicating the location of particular parts of the machine

Sequence of events:
Describe the changes that have occurred. You will need to:

indicate time periods

compare changes
describe the amount of change.

You may also need to:

show cause and effect

use the passive form.
CONCLUSION

The conclusion should be:

written in one or two sentences
a summary of the overall trend or significant trends in the diagram
The following signposts and phrases can be used to introduce the conclusion of the Task 1 report.

Overall,
To conclude,
In conclusion,
To summarise,
In summary,

it can be said
it can be seen
it is clear
it would seem

that...

In general,
Do not include numerical data in the conclusion.
There is no need for a conclusion when you describe a process or how an object works or when you
describe a sequence of events over a period of time.